The Northern Lights can be dramatic, eruptive, fleeting and enigmatic. Never guaranteed, sightings rely on minimal light pollution, solar activity and clear skies. They key to any Aurora trip is enjoying the whole experience, regardless of what happens in the night sky. This is where Iceland comes into its own. Roaring waterfalls, icebergs littered on black volcanic sand and mighty volcanoes dotting the horizon. With a local guide on hand keen to show you 'their' Iceland, and alert to the prevailing conditions and the likelihood of a light show you will be well placed both literally and metaphorically, to see all that Iceland has to offer.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Our tour begins at our hotel in Reykjavik in the late afternoon. Iceland’s compact capital city is well worth exploring, and we strongly recommend a couple of extra days before or after your tour. Two of the most striking attractions are the Hallgrímskirkja Church; a fine example of expansionist architecture with great views from the tower, and the beautiful Harpa Concert Hall. The nearby old harbour is a great starting point to explore the narrow streets of the old town.

Our trip begins with an evening briefing.This will usually be around 1830.

Day 2

Today we leave Reykjavik driving east along the scenic southern highway. Our first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a 60-metre high waterfall. Here we have the chance to walk behind the cascade providing conditions are not too icy. Suitable footwear is a must, however the leader also carries a selection of ice grips that can be put over standard walking boots to increase grip in slippery conditions. We continue on through starkly beautiful countryside to an area badly affected by the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

We continue on along the coast visiting the Skógafoss Waterfall, that falls in a 25-metre wide sheet in a single drop of 60 metres. There may also be time to visit the nearby Skóga Museum (entrance payable locally) and see how Icelanders of centuries past survived in this harsh environment. After lunch our next stop is the black volcanic beach at Reynisfjara, with its salt caves and towering columnar basalts. The final part of our journey takes us across the black expanse of the Myrdalssandur floodplains, created by the river which formed after the eruption of a volcano under the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.

Our hotel for the night is the Laki, located just outside the small village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 3

We set out today across the massive Skeidararsandur floodplains, created in a similar fashion to those at Mydalssandur. These floods however only occurred in 1996, and there is still little vegetation. We head to Svinafellsjokull, an outlet of the glacier where we go for a short walk. We will be using crampons and ice axes however the terrain is not challenging and even those with no similar experience should pick it up quickly. The glacier offers some fantastic photo opportunities, with its walls of brilliant blue ice, thousands of years in the making. Please note under certain circumstances it may be necessary to use Solhimajokull glacier in the south. This is an equally enthralling experience.

We travel onwards to the beautiful Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, created in the 1950’s as the glacier retreated from the coastline, leaving a 300m deep, 20sq km lake littered with icebergs. On the beach we can walk amongst the large chunks of ice washed up on the black volcanic sand, creating some beautiful shapes and formations.

The drive back to the hotel is approximately 90 minutes (125km), plenty of time to reflect on the day's adventures.

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 4

We make our way back along the south coast, travelling inland from Selfoss. We stop for lunch at the restaurant in the Fridhheimar greenhouses. Here a local family have set up a successful tomato producing farm harnessing the geothermal power so abundantly available.

From here we head on to visit the mighty Gulfoss Waterfall; one of Europe’s most powerful. Hundreds of cubic tonnes of water a second pass over the edge of the falls into the canyon below. We also visit Geysir, home to the inimitable hot spouts. The most reliable eruption comes from Strokkur and occurs every 5-10 minutes, firing jets of hot water and steam 30 metres into the air, a spectacle not to be missed.

Our final stop before returning to Reykjavik is Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s first democratic parliament sat in 930AD. It was not until 1798, that it moved to the capital. Thingvellir is also the site of the rift valley marking the Mid Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart, causing an area of around 7km to literally sink into the earth.

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 5

Our trip ends with a Flybus transfer to Keflavik Airport. Your leader will not accompany you on the Flybus, however you will be provided with a number to call for assistance should it be needed.Should you have time you may wish to spend time exploring Reykjavik, visiting one of the local thermal pools or the Blue Lagoon (see extra expenses section for details).

Alternatively you may wish to extend your stay and learn more about this incredible country. Please ask our sales team about pre and post tour nights.Our trip ends today. Depending on flight times, you may wish to spend time exploring Reykjavik, visiting one of the local thermal pools or one of the many sights available in the city or indeed extend your stay beyond this trip. Please ask our sales team about pre and post tour accommodation.

Meals included:
Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Essential Info

Visas

Iceland

No visa required for British passport holders.

Vaccinations

Iceland

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts are included. There are a number of different lunch stops, which we believe fit well with the itinerary such as the café near the Skogafoss Waterfall, and the geothermal greenhouses at Friðheimar which serves a menu based on its own produce, including the famous Friðheimar Tomato Soup!Whilst in the east of Iceland we will stop at local restaurants for dinner. In Reykjavik there are plenty of restaurants to choose from catering for all tastes and budgets. Traditional Icelandic dishes consist of salmon, cod, lamb and puffin. Cafés in the old town are particularly cosy, packed with comfy chairs, and antique furniture, with wonderful selections of coffees, cakes and treats.

There will be vegetarian and vegan options available though in the east of Iceland these may be more limited than in Reykjavik.

Weather

The country has a notoriously fickle climate, and on any day of the winter you may experience periods of sunshine alternating with short or long showers of snow, sleet or even rain. Away from the coast, in most winters, there is good snow cover for much of the season. Average daytime temperatures in Reykjavik are between 0º and -5º Celsius. In the interior it can be several degrees colder, and in windy weather, which is common, the wind-chill factor can be significant.

Is this trip for you?

This short stay includes three and a half days sightseeing, with visits to and exploration of areas of natural beauty. We will attempt to see the Northern Lights, choosing location and times based on the latest information to give us the best chance of seeing them. We will not go out every night, instead we monitor conditions and reports to see where and when excursions may be successful. Our accommodation in the east is fairly remote, so is well placed should skies be clear. Whilst staying here it is likely we would simply take advantage of the viewing terrace should the lights be visible.It is important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and are never guaranteed. We are however pleased to say that the majority of our groups have managed to see the Aurora in some form.

We also venture out onto a glacier equipped with helmet, ice axe and crampons however we stick to only flat sections of the ice; this experience is very accessible and designed for all abilities. To make the most of this holiday you do not need previous experience but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.Understandably for its location Icelandic weather is unpredictable, please come prepared for cold, wet and windy conditions. As this trip runs from October to March, hours of daylight will vary depending on departure date from around 5 hours in January to 10 hours in March. Outside of daylight there are hours of twilight, particularly before sunrise, when there is enough light to see by. Naturally, the Aurora will not be visible during daylight.We cover a lot of ground and as such have a few long drives. We make frequent photo stops during these drives to allow us to appreciate the different and spectacular landscapes. Iceland has become hugely popular in recent years, and you may find some of the main sites rather busy at certain times.

Please note on occasion severe weather can affect our ability to undertake some of the outdoor activities and visits and we cannot rule out changes to the itinerary for these reasons. Any such decisions would always be taken with the safety of the group in mind. We will always endeavour to provide suitable alternatives in this instance.

Accommodation

Hotels Klettur or Cabin & Laki

During our time in Reykjavik, we usually stay in the Hotel Klettur. The property is located approximately 15 mins walk from the main shopping street, Laugavegur, so it’s easy to enjoy the cafés, bars and restaurants of Iceland’s capital. Rooms are a good size with private facilities. Alternatively we may stay in the Hotel Cabin, which offers the same standard of accommodation and facilities, but is approximately 800m further out from the city centre.

Along the south coast we stay at the Hotel Laki, situated in a perfect location to see Iceland’s rugged landscape, with pseudo craters dotting the view. All accommodation has private facilities.

Reviews

Fascinating taste of Iceland

Our excellent guide Nico informed and amused us as we visited some very interesting features from geysers to a walk on a glacier! The iceberg added to the Icelandic gin was a brilliant idea for watchin* the northern lights!
Thank you we will certainly visit again and see more of this beautiful country

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

See above

What did you think of your group leader?

See above

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Wet & wild!

This is an extraordinary trip even if the Northern Lights are not visible, there is nowhere else so accessible that has such a fascinating and diverse landscape.
The people are lovely and the food top quality. It is an expensive country however, additional food and drink and souvenirs are pricey.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking on the glacier in crampons, ice axe and helmet and descending into its crevasses among 2000 year old ice was an amazing experience. The final morning was very well planned, starting out below ground in a lava tube then being taken straight to the Blue Lagoon prior to catching the flight home. Don't be put off by thinking that the Blue Lagoon is a tacky tourist trap - it's not, it's an amazing and relaxing end to the trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Orri was an exceptional leader, friendly, helpful and approachable, nothing was too much trouble for him. He kept us entertained with his stories of Icelandic history and folklore during the longer road sections.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take plentry of layers and good quality warm and waterproof clothing, The weather is going to be both cold and wet and can change rapidly, if you are prepared for that then you will enjoy the trip all the more.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The northern lights may not make an appearance whilst there and some activities may be cancelled at short notice and another substituted due to the raw nature of the place, that is part of its appeal for me, keep an open mind and enjoy the experience.

Fantastic trip to Iceland

We had a fantastic trip to Iceland. A lot was fit into the few days that we were there but the itinerary was just right. There was quite a lot of driving but it was worth it to see all of the sights that we did and our group leader entertained us with tales of Iceland throughout the journey. I am already planning my next trip to Iceland to explore the country further!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The glacier hike and the caving were my highlights. I'd also heard mixed reviews about the blue lagoon but I also loved this as it is so unique to Iceland.

What did you think of your group leader?

Orri was a fantastic leader. Very warm and friendly and kept us entertained throughout. We couldn't fault him and he helped to make it a memorable trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take plenty of layers! I'd also recommend spending at least one additional night in Reykjavik. It's a great place to spend time and is small enough to see plenty in one or two days. There isn't much spare time in the itinerary if you don't book additional nights.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The weather was very mixed whilst we were there from bright sunshine to snow. We only got to see the Northern lights very faintly on one of the evenings though due to lack of activity and cloud cover but it didn't matter. I would highly recommend.

Iceland and it's rugged nature

Yet again Exodus has given us a wonderful tour of a part of this great planet. Iceland has a great deal to offer for those that want to see a raw part of the world; from Glaciers to bathing in hot springs, to volcanoes and lava tubes.
It is an easy trip to do if you have a low level of fitness but still want to cave or walk a glacier. As always, the choice of guide could not be faulted, he was fun and entertaining but went about everything in a professional way. Sadly we did not see the northern lights but nature is not always on demand, however this did not detract from a wonderful tour of the sights and sounds of Iceland. Well done Exodus.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Gullfoss falls absolutely fantastic sight.

What did you think of your group leader?

Orri Sigurjonsson was outstanding as our leader and guide. He expertly explained the safety of walking on glaciers with crampons, and the wearing of caving equipment. Also when the van broke down with a puncture he organised a replacement coach to get us back to our hotel and in the night went back to fix the van with a mechanic, appearing bright and cheerful in the morning to continue our tour. Whilst travelling he told wonder stories of Trolls and Elves who live in the rocks of Iceland. Well done Orri.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a trip where you will see and hear about Iceland and it's history and it's wonderful rugged beauty of various landscapes.

Fantastic Iceland Break

Although we were unable to see the Northern Lights due to the overcast conditions this did not detract from the fact that this was a real Icelandic experience that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Excellent program of things do and see let by Orri our very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly guide. His knowledge of Icelandic history and Icelandic tales added to the enjoyment of the trip.
The variety of the program and timings meant that we had lots to do and see avoiding more busy times of the popular locations.
The hotel Laki which we stayed in for two nights was especially nice and well located.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The day that we did the glacier walk.

What did you think of your group leader?

Orri was excellent and just made the trip all the more enjoyable. As above his knowledge and how he put that across was both entertaining and informative. He also kept a close eye on everyone to make sure that they were comfortable with the activities and enjoying themselves.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't worry too much about seeing the Northern Lights as there is so much more to see and do on this trip. They are just a bonus. Both the glacier walk and the cave walk provide experiences that you will not be likely to try again.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It was nice that we were in a small group of sixteen and that everyone got on well. Obviously there will always be differences on how much time people feel should be spent on each of the visits / activities.

A wonderful trip

Although we weren't lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, we saw so many great things that it didn't really matter.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The glacier walk was amazing; once I got over the thought that I wasn't going to slip on the ice (the crampons keep you on your feet), it was wonderful. Not to be missed.

What did you think of your group leader?

Orri Sigurjonsson was a wonderful guide. He drove the minibus, guided us round southern Iceland, told us about the culture, history and people of the country with great knowledge, told us fairy tales of the trolls and dragons as well as feeding us chocolate, biscuits and crisps. He was funny and informative at the same time, an all-time good guy and he really made the trip special.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't worry that you'll feel disappointed if you don't see the lights, I'm sure you won't, there is so much else to see and do, especially if you've got a good guide with you.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I always say that it's a sign of a good guide and company if something goes wrong (in our case the minibus had a problem with one of the wheels) and it's sorted out quickly and efficiently. It was on our way back at the end of the day, thankfully, that the problem occurred. Orri not only arranged for another bus to take us back to the hotel, but while we were waiting kept us regaled with stories of trolls, which kept us amused and happy. He arrived back, smiling as usual, several hours later, having got the minibus fixed ready for the next day.

Iceland Northern Lights

We only had very limited views of the northern lights and the weather was not kind with much wet weather and grey skies. There was a lot of travelling as described in the trip notes. Waterfalls and other scenery was impressive.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Blue Lagoon was much better than expected. Another highlight was the museum at Eyjatjallajokull explaining the 2010 volcanic eruption.
Gullfoss was very impressive as was the Jokulsarton glacial lagoon and the associated ice on the beach.

What did you think of your group leader?

Kristian was a very enthusiastic leader who did all he could to find northern lights and explain the history and culture of Iceland. His enthusiasm for his country was clear.He made sure we were safe at all times.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Iceland - Northern Lights

An excellent trip with great activities and a full schedule. From start to finish you hardly stop, that being said you see some amazing sights and really geta a feel for Iceland and its culture.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The northern lights - they looked simply amazing!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was great, he interacted with us and shared his knowledge and experaince in a proffesional manner. He had a great sense of humour which really helped make the trip experiance so great.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack lots of layers and good quality water proofs! Also a good pair of walking boots are a must for some of the locations!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Amazing Iceland in an amazing trip!

A lot was packed into 4 fun-filled days taking in stunning scenery. Travelling on a comfortable bus, our brilliant guide Ibi made sure we got to take in Iceland and its history through our many stops.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many fantastic moments in this trip, though walking through the divide at Thingvellir National Park and taking in the view was spectacular. The Blue Lagoon was the perfect way to end the trip with new found friends.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ibi really helped to make this trip with an informative and friendly style. I felt complete safe under her guidance at all times.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared to take lots of photographs and bring one will a long exposure and a tripod if you hope to shoot the northern lights. Alongside that, thermals are recommended as the wind can be icy. Good waterproofs including over-trousers are essential, especially at the falls if the weather is bad. Also try and take a walk into Reykjavik at some point so you don't miss out.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was an amazing trip. I'd wanted to see dramatic Iceland and we got to see so many aspects of it packed into such a short trip.

Iceland Northern Lights

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The icebergs floating on the lake and the sea, with the clear blue sky behind.
White Russian Cocktails in Bar Lebowski's, Reykjavik.
I was surprised at how barren then landscape is - it's worth seeing.
We did see the Northern lights (not the best but they were there). At Hotel Laki you can book a wake-up call if they appear!

What did you think of your group leader?

Ingibjorg (Ibi) was excellent. She is also a Ranger at the national park so very knowledgeable and she led us on the Glacier and in the Caves.
She even provided hot flasks of drinks and snacks in the bus to help with the biting cold wind!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for the biting wind - take warm layers - thermal leggings, a balaclava, ski gloves. Waterproofs (jacket & trousers) are a must to keep out the wind and also you walk behind one of the waterfalls.
Take walking boots for the crampons on the Glacier and also to keep out the cold.
Book an extra day to see Reykjavik - there are free local walking tours - it's easy to get around and not very big but worth the effort.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Compared to some other travel companies this trip may look expensive, but everything except 2 dinners is included. Admission to places and food is very expensive (c£20-£25 for a main meal), so when comparing make sure you add in everything.